Toyota to Fund Early Childhood Program

Automaker Toyota is helping Kentucky schools expand an early childhood learning program.

Toyota is giving $115,000 to open 10 more Born Learning programs in the commonwealth. The program is for pre-kindergarten students and their parents and is meant to prepare children to enter school.

The initial grant will be followed by more funds.

“This year we’re getting started with 10 Born Learning academies, but actually it’s the first of a five year commitment," says Toyota spokesman Rick Hesterberg. "So we will add five new academies each year. And eventually, we’ll probably have an investment of close to half a million dollars before we’re done with it."

Hesterberg says Toyota supports the program because the company sees value in improving education in Kentucky.